The Bellbrook boys’ basketball team opened their season with some stiff challenges, racking up tough losses to Fairborn, West Carrollton, and Franklin; but it seems those games may have helped to prepare the Golden Eagles for conference play. They triumphed over Valley View on Thursday in spite of Zack Denny’s 36-point effort, and tonight they won the battle of the SWBL Eagles, besting Eaton on the Fighting Eagles’ court by a score of 58-50.

Bellbrook opened the scoring with a 3-point basket by Doug Rasch, his first of 5 treys on the night. Eaton countered with 4 points by Erik Hoke, but that proved to be their only lead of the night. Bellbrook led by 9 at the half, but a rash of turnovers by Bellbrook and gritty play by Eaton early in the fourth quarter led to a 42-42 tie with just under 4 minutes remaining. A putback on a missed freethrow by Josh Rogers, baskets by Rob Hisey and Austin Hall, and 5-for-5 free throw shooting by Rasch down the stretch sealed the win for Bellbrook.

Eaton had a balanced attack, with senior Todd Titus leading the way with 16, including 8 in the fourth quarter. Erik Hoke and Steven Sullender each scored 15, and Brandon George added 4.

For Bellbrook, Doug Rasch led all scorers with 32 points. Austin Hall had arguably his best game of the season, showing some great anticipation on the offensive boards and scoring 14. Rob Hisey added 5, Jackson Jabir 3, and Josh Rogers and Josiah Vine 2 each.

Next up for Bellbrook is Brookville at home on Friday, while Eaton will face Franklin at home.